<h4>Chapter 40: Mock Battle</h4>


    "If that''s the case, then I am against this proposal," Freya said, a straight expression on her face.


    "And why is that?" Ben asked in a curious yet a very surprised tone of voice.


    "I don''t have someplex equations behind it; it''s just that I want to pay for my bills." She said it with an emotionless face, as if not caring for any other opinion. "If I am living in the vige, then I must repay the inn too. And I am more than able to pay my bills."


    "There goes our ice queen again." Ben thought he was almost not surprised by her reaction to this. He was already getting the feminist vibe the moment he saw her.


    [Don''t be sad, Ben; I think this will work in your favor.]


    "In my favor? What do you mean by that system?" Ben asked inside his mind, almost surprised by the system''s response.


    [Think about it for a second, Ben. Even if you were to guard the gate and Freya stayed in the base, wouldn''t that restrict your movements by a wide margin?]


    [If she wants to guard alongside you, then we will be able to explore more of the city and ruins without worrying about a 500-meter radius.]


    Well, now that I think of it, it does make sense to have her work alongside me. It''s almost crucial for him to work alongside me. Great job, system-sama." Ben said this with a small smile stered on his face.


    Freya''s stance had opened up a new perspective for him. It was clear that she had her principles and didn''t want to feel like a burden to anyone.


    As Ben thought more about it, he realized that having her as a guard partner would indeed give them more freedom to explore and investigate the city and its ruins.


    Ray, on the other hand, seemed to be slightly taken aback by Freya''s firm refusal. He had genuinely wanted to help her and ensure her safety, but it appeared that she was determined to be self-sufficient.


    "I understand your decision, Freya," Ray said with a nod. "But we still aren''tcking enough for you to aid us in guarding the vige. I know, for one, that Ben is strong, but that does not mean I will let anyone guard beside him."


    "There are also other jobs in the vige; why don''t you pick up any of those that you think are appropriate for you?" Ray inquired, pulling a smile on his face despite being frustrated from inside.


    "I truly agree with your opinion, and that''s why I picked up fighting because that''s where I am strongest," Freya answered, still maintaining her expressionless face as ever.


    In response, Ray just stood up from his seat and exchanged a short nce with Ben. Look, Freya, it''s good to be responsible or independent, but this is not some watchdog job. You might even have to face real enemies—bandits or wolves—on the battlefield. So just leave the fighting to us, will you?


    "I get it," Freya responded with a slight seriousness in her voice before she gritted her teeth and continued again. "I get what you''re trying to say; you think I am weak, don''t you?"


    "Well...Ahh... See, I am not trying to be rude, but I don''t think you would match in strength with any three of us here." Ray responded with a little hesitation in his voice, trying to somehow calm her down. "Why don''t you exin it to her, Ben? You know her, right?"


    "No need for sugarcoating; if you think I am weak, then just say it," Freya responded, frustrated, biting her lips before she stood up from her seat too. "If that''s the case, then I will challenge you to a mock battle. Rules will be simple; the loser will obey the winner."


    "Dang, it''s getting out of control now," Benmented under his breath, trying to assess the situation and solve it if possible. "But again, I need to somehow find a way to ensure that Freya stays with me."


    [Then I think it would be for the best, Ben, if you let them fight a duel.]


    "Are you sure, system? Even though I barely survived against that redhead bull, do you think she is going to win?" Ben''s question was a littleplex and confused with system decisions.


    [ I am not exactly sure, host. If you scale by raw power or magic, then Freya would be the strongest in the room. So there is quite a high possibility of her winning. ]


    "Wait what? If she is that strong, then how the hell did she lose in a goblin fight?" Ben asked, almost choking on his breath. Just a day ago, the girl was barely standing up against those goblins, and now the system says that she has the strongest magic power in the room.


    Well, sure, things would be very different if Freya were possessed by that devil again, but is there any chance she will win this battle?


    {A/N: Just wanted to be clear: Ben is currently the strongest in the room. The reason he lost to Ray, or he thought he lost to Ray, was because he was tired and his HP was already quite low.


    Also, System said Freya has the strongest magic in the room because Ben''s MP is 0.}


    [ I believe the host said that her loss in the fight with the goblin was not because she was weak but because shecked any kind of battle experience. [Even if you have a lot of magic if you can''t cast a magic spell, then it''s useless.]


    "Fine, just this once, I am putting my bets on her," Ben concluded, taking a deep breath before he stood up from his chair and strewn his body. Alright, then it''s decided; the loser of the duel will follow the winner."


    Oh,e on, Ben, you too?" Ray asked if he was almost annoyed.


    Chill, bro, don''t tell me you are afraid of a duel or something." Ben walked close to Ray and slightly punched him on the back while leaning towards his ears. Just go easy on her; she will realize how weak she is."


    "Tsk, well, if you say so, I will pick up on this challenge," Ray responded with a small smile to Ben''s concern.